Six Flags has reportedly grounded its popular X2 roller coaster at Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, following a CNN investigation that linked the ride to two deaths and multiple traumatic brain injuries, according to TMZ.
According to the report, CNN reviewed records connected to the X2 coaster and reportedly found more than a handful of incidents involving serious head injuries among riders. The investigation reportedly examined patterns of complaints and medical claims tied to the ride over an unspecified period, though full details of the review have not been made public.
What We Know So Far
The X2 coaster, known for its unique spinning-seat design that rotates riders forward and backward as they travel along the track, has long been one of Magic Mountain’s signature attractions. Its unusual mechanics, which combine high speed with 4th-dimension seat rotation, have made it a draw for thrill-seekers since it debuted, but those same features are reportedly now under scrutiny as part of the investigation into potential links between the ride’s motion and head trauma.
Six Flags has not publicly detailed the specific findings that led to the decision to shut the ride down, and it remains unclear whether the closure is temporary pending inspection or part of a longer-term review. It’s also not yet clear whether regulators or independent safety inspectors have been brought in to examine the coaster’s mechanisms.
Ongoing Investigation
The exact number of injuries, the timeline of the reported incidents, and the circumstances surrounding the two deaths have not been fully detailed in available reporting. TMZ’s report cites the CNN investigation as the basis for the numbers, but does not specify additional independent confirmation of the claims at this time.
Six Flags has not issued a detailed public statement addressing the specific allegations raised by the investigation, and it’s unclear what next steps, if any, the company will take regarding the ride’s future at the park. This is a developing story, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
